Are Online Overstock Websites Good For Buying Furniture?

When it comes to shopping for furniture, there are two types of people: the ones who love it, and the ones who loathe it. But looking for furniture online tends to be easier than visiting lots of furniture stores, and if you're on a budget, or you simply want a wider selection, the online overstock furniture route is an excellent option to consider.

Online shopping as a whole can be hit or miss, and the sites that offer overstock furniture are no different. Overstock furniture has often been liquidated from other companies, but a liquidation fate does not always mean the item is out of style or damaged. It just needs to be moved out of a company's warehouse or storefront to make way for newer designs. That means you'll often find still-popular pieces, as well as other unique and interesting items, for a discounted price in these overstock sites.

There are plenty of great finds that can be discovered on overstock furniture websites, but there will also be some duds. Placing your bet on the right one relies on a bit of research, which, thankfully, you can do right from the comforts of home.

Shopping for furniture at brick-and-mortar stores often involves several tests of the product. You're going to sit on multiple cushions, open and close plenty of drawers, and lift a few things to test their weight. All the hands-on research goes out the (browser) window when buying overstock furniture online, but you can still gather lots of good information on your potential furniture pick.

First and foremost, measure where you'll be placing the furniture. That way, you don't fall in love with a piece only to face heartbreak when the product specifications reveal it's too big for your area. Reading the product page in full, including the buyer reviews, is one of the key ways to ensure your highest chance of success. Not every review should be trusted, but you'll get a general sense of the product by considering multiple comments, from the highest to the lowest ratings. It's also good practice to compare similar products.

Take, for example, this mid-century nightstand from Overstock made of pine. One of the top commenters notes its lighter weight, and the specs put it at 19 pounds. Here's a similar — but cheaper — nightstand that several reviewers note as sturdy and of good weight. Both are decent options, and the one you choose may simply come down to your preferred style.

There's one more bit of research to do before making your overstock purchase: reading up on the return policy. Ordering furniture from an online overstock seller with a generous return policy ensures that you'll be able to return your liquidated furniture should you discover it's uncomfortable or the wrong size for your space. That way there are no surprises should the product not be up to your standards. 

Once that last bit of business is tended to, make sure you understand the shipping policy of the liquidation website as well. If you ordered a large piece of furniture, such as a couch, it'll most likely be delivered through a freight carrier. These carriers often come with the option to have the item placed somewhere inside or outside the home, and you can pay a bit extra for them to place your purchase exactly where you want it. If a large piece of furniture is to be delivered inside the home, you can create a smoother delivery process by clearing a path and removing or adjusting other furniture accordingly. Smaller purchases, meanwhile, will often require assembly. Most will come with a trusty Allen wrench, but you can save your fingers by acquiring a larger tool.